Q. Where are you from?
A. Orlando, Florida
Q. What and where have you studied?
A. BS in communication disorders (BYU), Postbaccalaureate in special education (BYU), MS in special education (BYU), PhD in special education (U of U)
Q. Where have you previously worked?
A. Alpine School District, Provo School District, University of Utah, and Disney World! (It was the ubiquitous summer high school/college job for anyone who grew up in Orlando.)
Q. Why did you choose to work at BYU?
A. To me, special education is just one big metaphor for earth life, the character of our Heavenly Father, and our relationship to Him. I LOVE working at an institution where I can freely bear my testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as I see the parallels of it woven throughout my discipline.
Q. What do you regret not starting or doing when you were younger?
A. My undergraduate years at BYU were some of the happiest of my life. My ONE regret about my undergrad is that I didn't go on a study abroad! I still get jealous of students going to Jerusalem or the London Center.
Q. What would you rate 10/10?
A. Bhutan. It's one of the loveliest, most fascinating countries I have ever visited. I highly recommend a trip there. Just take me with you if you go!
Q. Do you collect anything?
A. I love to collect art and textiles from street artists every time I visit a new country. I'm running out of walls to display them! Does that mean I'll stop? Probably not. ?
Q. If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A. Doritos (original nacho flavor)—they're my guilty pleasure.
Q. What is one thing you can’t live without?
A. Deep relationships with dear friends (and I include the Savior in that list). They have carried me through my best and my worst times.
Q. What movie quotes do you use on a regular basis?
A. "You gotta be kidding me! Everything you just said is MY favorite thing to do! Every. Day." Nacho Libre is an underappreciated gem.